Recent studies indicate adenoidectomy may be a beneficial treatment for some children with chronic earaches accompanied by fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion). We typically recommend an adenoidectomy for patients requiring a second set of ventilation tubes. If a child is just having ear or nasal problems, an adenoidectomy alone may be recommended.
We do not routinely address the tonsils when performing an adenoidectomy. Adenoid regrowth is rare. We also recommend adenoidectomy for pediatric patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. This surgery, along with medical management, can often keep kids well and avoid the need for more extensive sinus surgery.
In some patients, especially those with infectious mononucleosis, severe enlargement may obstruct the airway. For those patients, treatment with steroids is sometimes helpful in the short term. Allergy testing should at least be considered in children requiring tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.